Austin Butler immersed himself in the world of Major League Baseball to prepare for his role in the upcoming film, Caught Stealing. The actor, known for his transformative performances, took a rather unconventional approach by studying the physiques of professional baseball players.
Butler, 34, credits director Darren Aronofsky for the idea. “I actually have a whole section of just baseball players’ asses that he would send me,” Butler shared in a recent interview with Men’s Health. “He was like, ‘Look how thick they are!’” This unique focus on physicality highlights the lengths to which Butler is willing to go for authenticity in his roles.
To achieve the desired look, Butler teamed up with trainer Beth Lewis, who previously worked with Hugh Jackman on the Deadpool and Wolverine films. The training regimen was intense, but Butler added an unexpected twist to his diet: pizza and beer. “Drinking has never been my thing,” he admitted. “I don’t like the way it makes me feel.” Despite this, he felt it was necessary to avoid appearing overly muscular.
Starting at 150 pounds, Butler’s weight increased to 185 pounds over six months of training. “I’ve got a whole section of Celine pants that I just can’t even wear anymore,” he remarked, reflecting on the physical changes he underwent.
Interestingly, Butler has shifted his perspective on preparing for roles. He noted that he has become less intense about the process in recent years. “For a long time, I felt that it had to be a tortured process and I would come out the other side broken,” he explained. Instead of suppressing parts of himself, he now embraces the more challenging aspects of his personality.
His portrayal of Elvis Presley in 2022’s Elvis earned him an Academy Award nomination, but the experience left him feeling somewhat adrift. “It’s done, after three years,” he reflected. “And then it’s like, ‘Wait, what do I focus on now? What do I read about? What do I watch? What do I like?’” The whirlwind of fame also impacted his personal relationships, leaving him questioning who to reach out to.
Over time, Butler has learned to prioritize personal connections outside of his acting career. “There’s something about filming: Everybody tells you what time to show up, they get you dressed, they show you where your mark is,” he said. “It can be very infantilizing, and it can be very centered on me.” He finds solace in reaching out to friends without any agenda, simply checking in on their well-being.
Caught Stealing is set to hit theaters on August 29, showcasing Butler’s dedication and unique preparation for the role of a baseball player.
